A year after unveiling the Concept CLA Class as a glimpse into its vision for the future, Mercedes is on the verge of releasing the third-generation CLA. The compact luxury sedan, now evolved from concept to production, was teased last weekend at the 39th Festival d’Hyères in France, signaling the imminent arrival of Mercedes’ most affordable “coupe.”
Though the CLA is often referred to as a “sedan,” Mercedes has always positioned it as a four-door coupe, a distinction that likely won’t change in the next-gen model. The signature swoopy roofline, reminiscent of its now-discontinued sibling, the CLS, gives the CLA its coupe-like appearance, creating a sleek and sporty aesthetic. This design evolution ensures the CLA maintains its place in Mercedes’ lineup as a stylish entry-level option for luxury car buyers.
Hints of Plug-in Hybrid or Full Electric?
A close look at the prototype reveals some intriguing details. Fuel caps on the rear fenders suggest that the new CLA may offer a plug-in hybrid variant. However, Mercedes has been tight-lipped about technical specifics, and there’s speculation that the camouflaged vehicle might be an all-electric model. The absence of a visible exhaust tip further fuels this theory.
The new CLA will sit on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which is designed to support both combustion engines and fully electric powertrains. If this CLA turns out to be the EV model, it could take inspiration from the Concept CLA Class that debuted at the 2023 IAA show in Munich. The concept promised an impressive electric range of up to 466 miles (750 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle, drawing on tech from the Vision EQXX concept. With a cutting-edge 800-volt electrical architecture, the concept could charge 248 miles (400 kilometers) of range in just 15 minutes—setting high expectations for the production model.
A Peek into the Future: What to Expect
While official details remain scarce, the styling of the new CLA seems to be in line with the concept car showcased in 2023. Mercedes’ decision to camouflage the front end heavily suggests some notable design changes, particularly if this is the electric variant. Inside, the CLA is expected to feature an all-screen dashboard similar to the one in the concept, enhancing the futuristic vibe that Mercedes is aiming for in its new lineup.
The CLA won’t be the only compact luxury offering from Mercedes. A CLA Shooting Brake (wagon) is expected, along with refreshed versions of the GLA and GLB crossovers. However, Mercedes plans to simplify its compact car lineup, likely phasing out the A-Class Sedan and other models like the A-Class hatchback and B-Class minivan. The focus appears to be on more specialized models, such as the rumored “Little G,” a baby G-Class SUV.
Set to Compete in the Luxury Compact Market
Once it arrives, the 2026 Mercedes CLA will face stiff competition in the luxury compact sedan segment, squaring off against rivals like the recently updated Audi A3 Sedan and BMW’s forthcoming next-gen 2 Series Gran Coupe. Mercedes’ goal with the new CLA is to offer a balance of luxury, technology, and performance—whether through a combustion engine, hybrid, or fully electric drivetrain.
As the production version nears its official debut, Mercedes is positioning the CLA as a key player in the brand’s future compact lineup. Whether in its electric or hybrid form, the next-gen CLA will be a strong contender in the market, promising to deliver the sleek design, advanced tech, and luxury features Mercedes is known for.
